Your Teeth Need Plenty of Vitamin D to Stay Strong

Posted on 11/10/2018 by Brandon Cooley

Vitamin D has become one of the most popular supplements and with good reason. This vital nutrient is not only a vitamin, but it helps regulate calcium absorption. Taking both of these supplements is the most effective way to get the most out of them, and this is why products like milk, are enriched with vitamin D.

Why is Vitamin D Important for Strong Teeth?

Teeth are the strongest bones in our bodies thanks to the layer of enamel that protects them from decay and blunt force. Your teeth can withstand a lot of abuse from eating, playing sports, and other trauma. For the teeth to keep playing that critical role efficiently, they need calcium and vitamin D, like the rest of the bones in your body.

The bones in your jaw also need to be healthy to hold your teeth in place and adding vitamin D to your diet via sun exposure or through diet and supplements, will help your body absorb calcium better. Phosphorus is also essential for calcium to benefit the bones.

A deficiency in any of these minerals can be a detriment to your oral health and bones in the rest of your body. These are essential for a growing child who needs to keep their bone health as they become adults. As far as how much vitamin D levels your body needs the jury is still out.

Some research suggests you take between 400 and 800 IU (International Units) per day, while others claim that you need at least 1000 to 4000 IU and your intake should gradually increase as you age.

If you eat a balanced diet and are exposed to sunlight and take supplements, you should have enough of the vitamin D your body needs. Let us know if you have any questions about why your teeth need plenty of vitamin D to stay strong.

WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING:

As a patient, three things stand out to me about Cooley Smiles - the great quality dental work, the cleanliness of the facility and thorough follow up. These are major differentiators that I look for in dental providers and to-date, I've always been satisfied with my experience. Thanks for the great patient care, Cooley Smiles team!